By Angela M. Cranon, M.A.
Should citizens always blame the President of the United States for high unemployment rates when they happen? There are some influences that can point directly to a president, but there are other key factors that dictate the rise or fall of unemployment possibilities in America.
With any change in a government, citizens become concerned about employment. The uncertainty of it all is enough to make many worries, especially if citizens might still struggle with the political shift of power. However, economic factors, technology advancements, corporate values, and seasonal fluctuations are influential circumstances that determine the high or the low unemployment rate for the United States.
With a new president in office, any of these factors, as well as President Donald Trump’s relations and dealings with foreign and domestic affairs, can also play a role to determine if there will be jobs available to citizens… how many or how little. Nonetheless, it is important to understand the other components that can keep you working or not. Bear with me for a moment as we analyze these elements to understand the final point that needs to be made.
First, economic factors deal directly with the national job growth. The economic climate determines if employees will stay at work or look for work that pays more if the employment industry seems to be a little more stable. Consequently, if there are too many available jobs, it may be hard for employers to keep staff because there are an array of employment options. But on the other side of the spectrum, in a recession, most people tend to hold on to their current jobs until the market changes, thus an economic factor. In a recession, however, corporations may not be able to hold on to their employees due to the lack of revenue.
Technology advances are another factor that dictates if unemployment rates will fall or rise. Corporations are moving toward the most technological advancements, instead of relying on manpower. Therefore, it is advised to learn as many skills as possible in the high-tech industry in order to move right along with the changing face of corporations. For example, in the past, factory jobs needed humans to work the assembly line. Today, humans are being replaced with technology, robots and machines, to be exact. This decreases the number of “human” workers in the job market, creating a path for higher un – employment rates.
Third, corporate values can be disturbed merely through social media. Bad press will quickly change the profile of a corporation, edging people away from applying for jobs at that company. Current employees will look for other opportunities to avoid reputation issues that might play a negative role with their efforts to find future work. If employees begin to resign, this could create a serious problem for the company. Closing businesses and corporations will lead to a rise of unemployment rates.
Fourth, seasonal fluctuations occur every year, especially hitting agriculture and construction industries. Employees may find that they are overwhelmed with a lot of work, or overwhelmed with not having any work, especially in construction. Summer is also a season that can be invaded with more job seekers during the time students leave school to work. Part-time jobs are hit the most, which helps the unemployment rate, until this flood of students quit and return to school.
So why is all this important enough to talk about? While the government can do its damage to increase the unemployment rate, it is not solely the blame when the other factors are considered. The question is what can you do about it? Be prepared. Always have your resume circulating. Let social media work for you while you are at work. Stay high-tech trained. Observe what companies require in your field of interest. Get an education. Seek to always improve your skills. Watch the job market trends, and make sure you evolve the same way. Reinvent yourself. Stay connected. Keep a door or two open outside of your current job. Make smart career changes. Plan strategically, efficiently, and carefully.
Now that you know what factors play a role that could determine if you are working or not, do something about it. Always look for a path that leads to open doors to keep you gainfully employed, and never give up! n Now, go make it a great day!
